Some track and layout geometry Wooden toy train

though not manufacturers use same system track piece designs principle standards have evolved, geometry involved track systems tends pose same problems everyone. first question may how divide circle. standard wooden tracks 8 pieces. next important length diameter of circle made of line along center of tracks. length useful figures such 8 crossing @ right angles, simple l-figure, bulge 1 side or spectacles or mickey mouse head, name simplest.

a division in 2 gives handy piece of straight track. figure 8 1 use 2 straight pieces go underneath , bridge made same length cross on other straights. if 1 wants crossing on same level, diameter can divided 3 , crossing piece made straights of length. of course 1 can produce pieces of quarter diameter length put left , right of central bridge piece half length of diameter. 1 can see, useful determine length of straight tracks dividing diameter of circle made curves. brio uses lengths of half, quarter , eighth third , sixth.

to solve problems of offset produced points branch out @ same angle producing parallel tracks, useful design such points , switches 1 of short straights can compensate offset. easy way design points tracing long , curved track same piece using same connecting point origin. such merged piece can serve curve 1 branch , straight other while using same dimensions other pieces.